Joe Cryan

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"My experience at Goldsmiths has influenced so many aspects of my life and changed the way I work. It is one of the most creatively engaging environments I've had the pleasure to work in. The chance to immerse myself in furthering my studies at the institution was always something I considered, and with the launch of the Queer History MA, it was very much a 'right place, right time' situation for me. Unbelievably, the course is the first of its kind, and so when I saw it being publicised on Facebook, I applied immediately.

With 2017 coinciding with the anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales, this course is more relevant now than ever before. As a programme we are documenting forgotten histories of the wider Queer community. For me, this is one of the most exciting parts of the course. As a white homosexual male, I am also looking forward to developing my knowledge of all aspects of the LGBTQ+ experience, and examining how far we still have to go for the heteronormative reality to be equal to a 'homonormative' ideal.

The first stage of understanding is listening, and reviving stories from history are the initial steps towards giving the Queer community the acknowledgement they deserve. Many people's voices were not heard at the time, so uncovering their stories now is an important learning tool and finally gives them a voice. By realising the struggle the Queer community has gone through we can hopefully create an environment where voices will never be denied again.

I'm doing this MA part time, so am continuing to work alongside my studies. I hope to use the course to spring board a career within the Queer community and within Queer culture. I've always been open to ideas and change, so I'm giving myself the chance to experience this course and see what challenges arise, and what opportunities are available to me."